Knives are one of the most often used items in a kitchen and are therefore dangerous if not used properly. Even though knives are increasingly simpler to operate, being conscious of them is still a worthwhile first step in adhering to kitchen knife safety regulations. 

This article will surely offer you advice and precise information on “kitchen knife safety skills”, to assist you to prevent knife mishaps. 

What is knife safety?

Knife Safety means the safety measures or instructions one must follow to safely use a knife. A knife is a sharp chopping piece of equipment, if one uses it carelessly, he or she may be at risk of experiencing severe pain. To avoid putting oneself at risk of harm, one must observe knife safety.

Why is knife safety important?

Knife safety is very important to keep oneself safe while using a knife. Knives are generally made in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each sort of knife has its own set of dangers.

However, the main threat from knives is their sharp blades, which can result in severe lacerations with deep wounds. It’s crucial to practice following knife safety to avoid this agonizing discomfort. 

10 safety tips for using knives in the kitchen

Kitchen knives are used to slice ingredients while preparing meals. As knives are sharp and may cause harm, knowing a few safety steps while using a knife can avoid any kind of unfortunate event that may occur.

10 safety steps for using knives in the kitchen area 

1. Keep knives well-honed:

Keeping your knives sharp is the easiest way to make your knife cut through the ingredients. With a well-honed blade, a cut requires less effort. If the knife is not sharp enough, it will cause one to exert additional pressure or force into slicing the food. If a slip happens at the time, then the user will get hurt. The whole procedure is unsafe if the knife is used in that way. 

2. Hold knives by the handle at all times:

Sharp kitchen knives require careful handling. If one does not hold their knives properly, a cut may occur‌. One can hold a knife in two ways. Using the handle or pinching on the blade.

Gripping the knife by the handle is the simplest technique of using a knife. In fact, it is the one that is generally used by everyone. Pinching on the blade is a technique that is precisely used by chefs. As the chefs are experts, they use this method to quickly cut their ingredients. 

3. Pick a pair of cutting gloves:

While using a knife, one must wear a pair of cutting gloves. This glove should be worn while using a knife as it helps to prevent injuries on the hands. When using a knife, cutting gloves aid to protect the user’s hands. 

4. Select the appropriate knife size for the task at hand:

Knives are of different types and sizes. Selecting the one that is appropriate for the job is very important. The user’s hand can sustain serious injuries if they use a knife that is ineffective for the task at hand. 

5. Always cut food items on a stable surface and away from one’s body:

Cutting food items on a stable surface will reduce the risk of getting cut. When the knife is used on a plain surface, then the knife can cut the ingredients safely. If the knife is used on an unstable cutting surface, it increases the risk of knives slipping and injuring workers.

6. Pay attention to the blade:

While using the knife, one must pay attention to the blade. It is crucial to be cautious when using a knife because of its sharp edges. A knife should be handled properly. Paying attention to how you are using it or handing it to someone will help in reducing the chances of any injuries. 

7. Not scrapping ingredients:

While using a knife we must not scarpe the ingredients on the chopping board with it. A knife is a sharp object, if it is used to scrape the ingredients then it will bend the rim out of the accord. Eventually causing it to turn into a dull knife. 

8. You should never lick food off of the knife:

One must never lick food off of the knife. The knife is honed enough to cause an injury on one’s tongue. Licking food off of the knife will cause huge damage. 

9. Avoid putting knives in the sink:

It is better to avoid putting a knife in the sink. Putting knives in the sink is a very careless thing to do. As a sink is an open space, anyone can put their hand in there. This way putting a knife in the sink may cause damage. So, one should always wash the knife and put it away in its designated place. 

10. After using knives, store them safely:

Knives are sharp objects that should be handled carefully. But handling a knife carefully is not enough. One must carefully store them as well. Something as sharp as a knife should not be kept open. Anyone can get injured like that. So, storing a knife after its usage is very important. 

How do you prevent knife accidents?

Knife accidents may occur at any time. To prevent these accidents one must be really careful. 3 ways to prevent knife accidents are 

  1. Holding the blade horizontally.
  2. Never try to catch a knife that is falling.
  3. Cut on a solid cutting board. 

Verdict

Knives are important kitchen utensils. If not used properly it can endanger one’s hands and fingers. So, when handling blades, one will be safer if they follow safety precautions. 

By going through this article, you can learn more about the best practices for using “kitchen knives safely tips”.